Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $39.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in South Portland, ME runs $39.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,463 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, ME, massage therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.63, significantly above the national median of $29.80. This lucrative hourly rate allows for both part-time and per-diem positions to be quite rewarding, especially for therapists working three days a week. In various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups, the earning potential varies widely. Entry-level massage therapists can start around $24.85 per hour, while top earners have the potential to make up to $61.43 hourly. The figures reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry and highlight the opportunities available for those looking to pursue this career in South Portland.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.85 | $198.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.87 | $238.95 |
| Median (P50) | $39.63 | $317.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.74 | $405.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.43 | $491.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $39.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.63/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $82,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,561. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,585.36 | $6,870 | $82,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.22 | $4,122 | $49,463 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.14 | $2,748 | $32,975 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (South Portland) | $39.63 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in South Portland, ME earn a median of $82,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.03% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 33.60% above the Maine state average of $61,710.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.63/hr = $49,463/year (purchasing power: $49,662).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,439/year (purchasing power: $82,770).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in South Portland grew 36.5% from $27.38/hr (2019) to $37.38/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in South Portland
Analyzing potential earnings, a therapist working part-time at 24 hours per week could bring home approximately $49,144 annually, a respectable income that still falls short of full-time wages. Per diem massage therapists often earn between $25 and $100 per session depending on whether they work for a franchise like Massage Envy or an independent business. This variability illustrates the stark differences between employer types, with self-employed practitioners charging up to $150 per 60-minute session or even higher for mobile services. Factors such as benefits, stability, and overhead costs come into play when deciding between working for a franchise or as an independent operator. While lower hourly rates might come with employee benefits like health insurance, many opt for higher pay without these perks. For those negotiating pay in South Portland, it's wise to understand the market rates and be prepared to discuss the value of your services, particularly when competing against franchise rates with fixed schedules.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in South Portland in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in South Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Portland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov